Prawn culture and policy options: technology import and culture through fishermen vis a vis industry

Recent developments in aquaculture has created an awareness that prawn culture is a dollar spinner, in which industry can step in to earn foreign exchange by producing an expensive food iten which has a high market demand abroad. The Government has to take a policy decision whether the prawn culture should be done through small fishermen to improve their socio-economic condition or through private industry with the high technology input and predefined objectives of export trade. Perhaps a simultaneous operation of the two could be allowed best in the interest of India. Perhaps in the interest of quick development and adoption of high production technology, through fishermen organization, the development is encouraged through the implimentation of welfare and area development schemes. In some selected areas private industry may be encoureged to use high production technology to develop prawns.

Prawn seed resources and its farming potentialities in Sunkeri back waters (Kali Estuary - Karwar)

Prawn seed resources of Sunkeri back waters indicated the availability of Penaeus indicus, P. monodon, Metapenaeus dobsoni and M. monoceros. The monthly variation in seed composition, its correlation with environmental parameters and the aquaculture potentialities are reported

A comparative note on the modus operandii of reservoir development in Republic of China and India

Principles adopted by China for the development of reservoir fisheries are discussed. Production of some of reservoirs of China with that of India is compared. The reasons for obtaining higher production in China have been recognised as: emphasis on utilization of all resources for food production; direct feeding; use of selected varieties of fast growing carps; keeping 15 pigs per hectare of water area for application of pig void and application of manure; production of fingerlings at the reservoir sites enclaving coves and bays; grading and removing obstructions from bottom; rational harvesting and stocking and improvement of reservoir shore areas as a whole. Some of these measures which could be implemented in Indian conditions are briefly described.

Control of crabs and snakes in freshwater fish seed farms

A design has been developed to adopt in freshwater fish seed farms for controlling crabs and snakes. The method is convenient and effective. It prevents the entry of crabs and snakes into the ponds.

A note on the use of ground water for successful breeding of common carps in extremely cold climate

Common carps are known for prolific breeding habits but they generally do not breed in water with temperature value less than 20 degree C. During winter months of 1985 when the temperature ranged from 15.5-20.5 degree C, the common carps were successfully bred by using ground water having temperature of 25-26 degree C and the results are discussed.

Preliminary note on the biochemical composition of meat of dai (Chirocentrus spp) and kati (Opisthopterus spp)

Studies were taken up biochemical composition of Chirocentrus dorab and Opisthopterus sp. The seasonal changes, yield of mince and energy value of the meat were also reported.

Biological productivity and fishery potential in the coastal waters off Bombay

Fishery potential of the nearshore waters of Bombay is estimated from the observed values of biological productivity at different trophic levels. The rate of primary and secondary production is relatively higher in the polluted coastal waters of Versova, Mahim and Thana. Observed mean benthic standing stock in the polluted creek waters is far less than the relatively unpolluted coastal regions off Bombay. Results suggest that the higher productivity at the lower trophic levels due to pollution, may not end up with high tertiary production. Therefore, such polluted regions are to be classified as special ecosystems where the transfer coefficient may be far less than the assumed 10% conversion factor.

Morphometric study and length-weight relationship of Therapon jarbua, Forsskal

The different morphometric characters of Therapon jarbua showed a linear relationship and uniformity in the various biometric measurements whereas the length-weight relationship showed a curvilinear graph. The studies also indicate that there is no significant difference, in the morphometric characters and length-weight relationship between the males and females. Ponderal index values for males and females was found to fluctuate between 1.3 to 1.5 for most of their life times with the peaks and crests appearing at different lengths for males and females.

Assessment of siltation rate and sediment transport in Bombay harbour based on Cesium-137 distribution

Low level aqueous radioactive wastes from the nuclear complex at Trombay are discharged into the Bombay harbour. Of the 6 principal radionuclides comprising the discharge, cesium-137 is most predominantly taken up by silt from the sea water. Isoactivity contours show that activity levels just off the point of discharge, and further south to Pir Pau, were between 50 and 100 pCi/g. Activity in the main channel of the harbour remained below 10 pCi/g, while further north (below the Thane Creek bridge) it was around 20 pCi/g. Activity in the top 6 cm of a core off Trombay naval jetty was <5 pCi/g, reaching a maximum of 178 pCi/g at 14cm below the surface. Thereafter, it tapered off to 5 pCi/g down to a metre.

Some aspects of the biology of Trypauchen vagina Bloch and Schneider of Bombay coast

Morphometrics of 14 metric and 6 meristic characters of Trypauchen vagina of Bombay coast is presented. Number of spines and rays of dorsal, anal and pectoral fins differ with earlier studies. Sexual dimorphism in the length of caudal and anal fins was observed. Length weight relationship of males and females have been worked out to be W = 0.00000 687L super(2.8440) and W = 0.00000 2747L super(3.0274) respectively. The fish is a prolific breeder and peak breeding activity occurs in December. The growth rate was found to be 15.20 mm/month.

Traditional fishing methods of Lakshadweep

Economy of the Lakshadweep islanders depends mainly on coconut farming and fishing. About 30-40% of the population are full time fishermen. Some of the fishing methods practised by the islanders are still traditional, Tuna forms the main established fishery of the island. Pole and line fishing is the most effective fishing method for surface tuna shoals. Most of the traditional fishing operations prevailing in the islands are unique and conducted during neap tides only.

Composition and distribution of benthos in Kali Estuary, Karwar

The composition and abundance of meio and macrobenthos in 5 stations of Kali estuary were studied during September 1981 to September 1982. In all sixteen meiobenthic and fourteen macrobenthic taxa were identified and the salient features in their temporal and spatial distribution, species dominance and percentage occurrence are discussed.

Available lysine in canned fish

Otolithus argenteus was canned in brine by heat processing at two different steam pressures either at 0.70 kg/cm super(2) or 1.05 kg/cm super(2) for 25 minutes. The nutritive value of canned fish as evaluated by the total nitrogen and available lysine did not alter much either during heat processing or during storage over a period of nine months at 28 degree plus or minus 5 degree C.

Food and feeding habits of Schizothorax longipinnis Heckel from River Jhelum, Kashmir

Food and feeding habits of Schizothorax longipinnis inhabiting river Jhelum were studied by observing the gut contents of 225 fishes. The species is found to be illiophagic and herbivore in nature, chiefly feeding on decayed organic matter (54.2%), sand and mud (25.7%), food of plant and animal origin (20.1%). Correlation between food intake and various size groups for different seasons have been discussed in details.

On the water quality of selected environments along Bombay coast

Water quality of three stations representing polluted (Sts. B & S) and relatively unpolluted (St. M) areas along the coast of Bombay was studied during Mar 1981 to May 1982. Stations B & S were characterized by relatively wider fluctuations in salinity, low range of dissolved oxygen and higher BOD, phosphate and nitrate levels. At St. M higher range of dissolved oxygen coupled with low values of BOD and nutrients suggest the prevailing good water quality. The deteriorating water quality of the polluted station probably lead to retarded growth of Saccostrea cucullata and Cerithium rubus living in the shallow intertidal region.